What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a 12-hour Team mentoring program developed by spouses for spouses. COMPASS is open to all Navy spouses and is presented over three days (four hours per day).
What does COMPASS cover?
Using a standardized curriculum, COMPASS introduces participants to many aspects of the Navy lifestyle: the Navy mission, history, customs and traditions, rights and benefits, pay, deployments, moving, interpersonal communication and investing in self and in the community.
Who teaches the COMPASS course?
Spouse mentors, who are part of an area Team, present COMPASS.
Who are the Mentors?
COMPASS Mentors are trained, volunteer Navy spouses who have experienced Navy life and possess the passion to Mentor other spouses, help them gain knowledge, and establish a peer network.
How much will COMPASS cost?
COMPASS is free and baby-sitting is provided for participants and Mentors.
Who is sponsoring COMPASS?
The standardized COMPASS Program was developed by volunteer spouses and is sponsored by Naval Services FamilyLine. FamilyLine has oversight of the COMPASS Program. FamilyLine is a private non-profit, volunteer organization serving Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard families around the world.
Where is COMPASS being taught?
COMPASS sessions are being held in: Kings Bay, GA, Guam, Pearl Harbor, HI, Norfolk, VA, Groton, CT. Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, Yokosuka, Japan, Naples, Italy, Bangor/Bremerton, WA , Mayport, FL, Millington, TN, Gulfport, MS, and Whidbey Island, WA. FamilyLine is looking for Navy spouses who want to become Mentors and be a part of this exciting program. Mentors are required to attend COMPASS as participants, and attend eight additional hours of Mentor Training.
How long does it take to get COMPASS started in an area?
It takes approximately six to eight months to implement a COMPASS Team. First, there must be spouse interest. A Team then forms with interested experienced possible Mentors. A COMPASS Session and Total Team Training is then held. The Team practices, and when the Team is ready, COMPASS sessions are held.
Has anything like this been done before?
COMPASS is based on a Marine Corps program called L.I.N.K.S. and Hawaii’s SUBS Program. The SUBS program transitioned to COMPASS in March 2002.
COMPASS won a grant of $10,000 in June 2000, for the best innovative program in support of military families. The Fisher House Foundation, Newman’s Own and Military Times sponsored the grant. In January 2003, COMPASS was awarded a grant of $7000 to implement the San Diego Team from the Rear Admiral Charles H. & Marjorie L. Lyman Trust. COMPASS was awarded a grant of $5000 from the Battelle Corporation in September 2003. In January 2005, COMPASS received a grant of $7000 from the Lyman Trust to implement two new Teams (La Maddalena and Kitsap). In January 2006, COMPASS received an additional grant of $6070 from the Lyman Trust to implement two new Teams.
For more information about COMPASS and how to get involved e-mail the COMPASS Program Manager, at nsfamline@aol.com
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